About

Building Expansion Updates

Update: February 14, 2025As we approach the start of construction on our WCMS expansion, we want to share some details about what to expect over the next few weeks. Although we’ve done our best to anticipate the questions that people may have, please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

Will there be any impact to my lesson or class schedule?

Spring lesson and class schedules should remain the same, with no interruption due to construction. Construction hours will generally wrap up around 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

What about parking?

To ensure smooth traffic flow, the parking lot will be divided into designated parking areas for faculty/staff and student families. Over the coming weeks, signage will be added to the parking lot to make it clear and easy to understand where to park.

Although there should be ample parking most of the time, it is possible that the parking lot may fill up during peak instruction times. Families may park along the WCMS side of Highland Avenue and/or adjacent side streets if necessary.

Finally, to prioritize parking for families with very young children or adult learners, we ask that families consider dropping off and picking up older children at the designated pick-up/drop-off zone directly in front of the WCMS entrance.

What else should we know about safety during construction? 

Here are just a few of the ways we are working to maximize safety during this project:

  •  All contractors on site have been background-checked via state CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information)
  • The construction area is marked and blocked off
  •  Our security camera system has been upgraded to monitor the construction site

We need your help to keep everyone safe!

While at WCMS, please be sure to:

  • Monitor the children under your care at all times, and do not allow them to enter or play near the construction site
  • Remind children not to climb the trees, structures, or snow piles
  •  Be mindful when driving in and out of the WCMS parking lot, especially as we all get used to the new traffic flow
  • See Something, Say Something: If you see an unsafe activity, please alert a staff member right away

Through working together as a community, we’ll be able to keep things running smoothly while we expand our beautiful Home for Music! 


Update: February 4, 2025—We’re excited to share that after a decade of planning and preparation, the expansion of our beautiful “Home for Music” is about to begin! This expansion, encompassing both a new performance hall and additions to our teaching space, will allow us to enhance our offerings and create a more inclusive, vibrant environment for music lovers of all ages for generations to come. This is even more exciting because the expansion aligns so closely with our mission to provide outstanding, accessible music education and programming to all.

It takes a village!

You will likely hear more from us soon (if you haven’t already) as we work together to raise the necessary funds to bring this project to fruition. It is a big lift and as you know well, we are a small local organization. Together we will build a lasting legacy of music!

What comes next?

Over the next few weeks, you may begin to see more activity at WCMS related to this project. Construction is anticipated to begin in late February and to take around a year and a half. Next week, you will receive a follow-up communication with more details about what to expect in the coming weeks. Throughout this project, we have two top priorities: 1) Minimizing impact to school operations as much as possible, and 2) Maximizing safety at all times. Next week’s communication will also contain some important details and updates about how WCMS will be prioritizing safety every step of the way.

Where can I find out more?   

WCMS is committed to keeping the WCMS community and our neighbors updated about what to expect throughout the project. Starting next week, members of our community will receive regular email communications with updates about what’s coming up and what to expect. And of course, we hope you will feel free to reach out at any time if you have questions or concerns.


If you are not on our regular mailing list and would like to receive updates on construction schedules and site work, please sign up below.


Building Expansion Updates

Sign up to receive updates on construction activities and scheduling. (Student families will automatically receive these updates.)

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Copyright © Winchester Community Music School 2023
Legal Information


Non-Discrimination Policy: Winchester Community Music School welcomes students of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

Contact

place

Winchester Community Music School
407 Highland Avenue
Winchester, MA 01890

phone

781.721.2950

Subscribe & Stay Updated

Receive our monthly newsletter along with occasional updates about programs, concerts, and events. You may unsubscribe at any time.

As a National Guild member, WCMS is committed to making high quality arts education accessible to all.

WCMS has earned exceptional ratings from GuideStar and Charity Navigator, including the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency.